“Over the years I have taught more than 100 students. I want them to fully understand and master the art, rather than just scratch the surface,” Li said.

“It is more than about making a living. We must pass down the traditional art.”

It is more than about making a living. We must pass down the traditional art

Li Yi-hsin, puppeteer

Li has been nominated by Hong Kong Theatre Works – which he is in partnership with – for the South China Morning Post’s Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, which honour inspirational individuals and groups that make the city a better place to live in.

He is named under the Cultural Preservation category, which recognises people who have made a sustainable impact on cultural conservation.

According to Li, his teachings centre on hand movement to convey emotions, as the puppets do not have changing facial expressions. His students have to acquire the art’s basic manipulation skills.

“The dan, or the female role, has to maintain ladylike behaviour,” he said. “The sheng, or the male role, must stride like a gentleman.”

It would take years of training to be able to present every nuance of the expression style, according to Li.

However, he said he believed glove puppetry could adapt and move with the times.

“We may incorporate lines of Cantonese opera into our plays to suit the tastes of [Hong Kong] audiences,” Li said.

“What’s most important is that we respect the traditions, and retain the essence and the basic skills of Chinese glove puppetry.”